Grading the Seattle Mariners halfway through the 2012 season

The All-Star break is upon us, which means the 2012 MLB season is halfway over. With the Mariners struggling with a 36-51 record, it’s been a disappointing season for many Mariners fans.

The young team has shown enough flashes of greatness to keep us interested, and there are some very bright spots on the roster. But there are also several players who have been disappointing and frustrating to watch.

So we thought it was time to give the Mariners their midterm grades. Take a look below.

And, as always, if you agree or disagree — or want to add anything to the conversation — feel free to leave a comment.

The 2012 Seattle Mariners have been frustrating to watch, because they've been great at times and horrible at times. They've fallen victim to a perfect game and they've scored 21 runs on the Texas Rangers -- not to mention Seattle's six-pitcher, combined no-hitter against the L.A. Dodgers. Now that we're midway through the season, let's take a look at how the Mariners are doing.</p><p> less

The 2012 Seattle Mariners have been frustrating to watch, because they've been great at times and horrible at times. They've fallen victim to a perfect game and they've scored 21 runs on the Texas Rangers -- ... more

Photo: Otto Greule Jr / Getty Images

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<b>Dustin Ackley</b> | second baseman | <b>Grade: C+</b></p>
<p>The M's selected him second overall in the 2009 draft and he was sixth in A.L. Rookie of the Year voting last season, but he has been disappointing this year. He showed great potential when he went on a 13-game hitting streak right after manager Eric Wedge moved him to the leadoff spot, but back at the bottom of the order he's now batting around .240.</p><p> less

<b>Dustin Ackley</b> | second baseman | <b>Grade: C+</b></p>
<p>The M's selected him second overall in the 2009 draft and he was sixth in A.L. Rookie of the Year voting last season, but he has been ... more

Photo: Otto Greule Jr / Getty Images

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<b>Blake Beavan </b> | starting pitcher | <b>Grade: D</b></p>
<p>He started out the season all right but never really found a groove and certainly started showing his inexperience. The Mariners sent the 23-year-old down to Triple-A Tacoma in mid-June.</p><p> less

<b>Blake Beavan </b> | starting pitcher | <b>Grade: D</b></p>
<p>He started out the season all right but never really found a groove and certainly started showing his inexperience. The Mariners sent the ... more

Photo: Stephen Dunn / Getty Images

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<b>Mike Carp</b> | left fielder | <b>Grade: D+</b></p>
<p>He missed April with a shoulder injury, putting him behind the rest of the club, but when he returned in May he didn't do much. His injury flared up again in mid-June, when he was batting just .157, so now he's on the disabled list again.</p><p> less

<b>Mike Carp</b> | left fielder | <b>Grade: D+</b></p>
<p>He missed April with a shoulder injury, putting him behind the rest of the club, but when he returned in May he didn't do much. His injury flared up ... more

Photo: Otto Greule Jr / Getty Images

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<b>Steve Delabar</b> | relief pitcher | <b>Grade: C-</b></p>
<p>The M's sent him down to Triple-A after he blew a few games and his ERA had risen to 5.18. After spending most of June in Tacoma, he's back and doing slightly better, bringing his ERA down to the low 4.00s.</p><p> less

<b>Steve Delabar</b> | relief pitcher | <b>Grade: C-</b></p>
<p>The M's sent him down to Triple-A after he blew a few games and his ERA had risen to 5.18. After spending most of June in Tacoma, he's back ... more

Photo: Leon Halip / Getty Images

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<b>Chone Figgins</b> | utility player | <b>Grade: D</b></p>
<p>He failed the experiment of leading off the batting order and manager Eric Wedge benched him in early May, when he was batting under .200. He still earns a passing grade, however, because he's a speedy utility player who can sometimes be useful.</p><p> less

<b>Chone Figgins</b> | utility player | <b>Grade: D</b></p>
<p>He failed the experiment of leading off the batting order and manager Eric Wedge benched him in early May, when he was batting under .200. He ... more

Photo: Denis Poroy / Getty Images

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<b>Charlie Furbush</b> | relief pitcher | <b>Grade: A-</b></p>
<p>He got off to a rocky start, as his ERA ballooned to 7.50 by the end of April. But he has settled down on the mound and is now throwing under 2.00, making him one of the Mariners' most dependable guys in the bullpen.</p><p> less

<b>Charlie Furbush</b> | relief pitcher | <b>Grade: A-</b></p>
<p>He got off to a rocky start, as his ERA ballooned to 7.50 by the end of April. But he has settled down on the mound and is now throwing ... more

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<b>Franklin Gutierrez</b> | center fielder | <b>Grade: Incomplete</b></p>
<p>The poor guy can't stay healthy. He missed the first two and a half months with two injuries. When he returned in June, he was batting around .265 before he got hit in the head with a pickoff throw on June 28. He's now on the seven-day disabled list with a concussion. Feel better, Guti.</p><p> less

<b>Franklin Gutierrez</b> | center fielder | <b>Grade: Incomplete</b></p>
<p>The poor guy can't stay healthy. He missed the first two and a half months with two injuries. When he returned in June, he was ... more

Photo: Otto Greule Jr / Getty Images

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<b>Felix Hernandez</b> | starting pitcher | <b>Grade: B+</b></p>
<p>Seattle's ace pitcher got off to an amazing start but struggled through May and early June, pushing his ERA up to 3.70. But he seems to have found his rhythm again, pitching very well in his past few starts and being named Seattle's only All-Star this season.</p><p> less

<b>Felix Hernandez</b> | starting pitcher | <b>Grade: B+</b></p>
<p>Seattle's ace pitcher got off to an amazing start but struggled through May and early June, pushing his ERA up to 3.70. But he seems to ... more

Photo: Otto Greule Jr / Getty Images

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<b>Hisashi Iwakuma</b> | starting pitcher | <b>Grade: B-</b></p>
<p>He got barely any playing time early in the season, appearing in just five games before June as a long reliever. But with staffing shortages, he is now helping out in the starting rotation and doing fairly well. His 4.80 ERA is more indicative of his rocky start than his current performance.</p><p> less

<b>Hisashi Iwakuma</b> | starting pitcher | <b>Grade: B-</b></p>
<p>He got barely any playing time early in the season, appearing in just five games before June as a long reliever. But with staffing ... more

Photo: Otto Greule Jr / Getty Images

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<b>John Jaso</b> | catcher | <b>Grade: A-</b></p>
<p>He rose to the challenge when catcher Miguel Olivo got injured, splitting the job with rookie Jesus Montero and earning his paycheck both behind and at the plate. M's fans know he has numerous game-winning hits, and is now leading the team in batting with an average near .280.</p><p> less

<b>John Jaso</b> | catcher | <b>Grade: A-</b></p>
<p>He rose to the challenge when catcher Miguel Olivo got injured, splitting the job with rookie Jesus Montero and earning his paycheck both behind and at ... more

Photo: Lisa Blumenfeld / Getty Images

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<b>Munenori Kawasaki</b> | shortstop | <b>Grade: C-</b></p>
<p>He can't really hit and he's not phenomenal on defense, but his over-the-top energy is contagious. It's hard not to like this little firecracker, even though he's batting around .185.</p><p> less

<b>Munenori Kawasaki</b> | shortstop | <b>Grade: C-</b></p>
<p>He can't really hit and he's not phenomenal on defense, but his over-the-top energy is contagious. It's hard not to like this little ... more

Photo: Otto Greule Jr / Getty Images

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<b>Shawn Kelley</b> | relief pitcher | <b>Grade: C</b></p>
<p>He started the season in Triple-A Tacoma and was called up in May. He's not too remarkable on the mound, but with an ERA around 3.40 has at least been somewhat dependable. He gives up too many hits, though.</p><p> less

<b>Shawn Kelley</b> | relief pitcher | <b>Grade: C</b></p>
<p>He started the season in Triple-A Tacoma and was called up in May. He's not too remarkable on the mound, but with an ERA around 3.40 has at ... more

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<b>Josh Kinney</b> | relief pitcher | <b>Grade: Incomplete</b></p>
<p>He just joined the Mariners from Triple-A Tacoma, where he turned heads with a 2.70 ERA and no home runs allowed. He hasn't had enough time on the big-league club this season to earn a grade yet.</p><p> less

<b>Josh Kinney</b> | relief pitcher | <b>Grade: Incomplete</b></p>
<p>He just joined the Mariners from Triple-A Tacoma, where he turned heads with a 2.70 ERA and no home runs allowed. He hasn't had enough ... more

Photo: Christian Petersen / Getty Images

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<b>Brandon League</b> | relief pitcher | <b>Grade: C-</b></p>
<p>The former All-Star started the season as the fan-favorite closer, but after an impressive April somehow lost his stuff. He blew numerous saves before manager Eric Wedge yanked him from the closer spot, and he's now getting in some solid work as a setup man. His ERA is around 3.50 and he has become largely undependable.</p><p> less

<b>Brandon League</b> | relief pitcher | <b>Grade: C-</b></p>
<p>The former All-Star started the season as the fan-favorite closer, but after an impressive April somehow lost his stuff. He blew numerous ... more

Photo: Gregory Shamus / Getty Images

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<b>Alex Liddi</b> | utility player | <b>Grade: D+</b></p>
<p>He started the season with a bang, batting above or near .300 for the first month and a half. M's fans may remember his grand slam on May 23, but that's the last notable thing he did. The M's sent him down to Triple-A Tacoma in mid-June to get him some more everyday work.</p><p> less

<b>Alex Liddi</b> | utility player | <b>Grade: D+</b></p>
<p>He started the season with a bang, batting above or near .300 for the first month and a half. M's fans may remember his grand slam on May 23, but ... more

Photo: Otto Greule Jr / Getty Images

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<b>Lucas Luetge</b> | relief pitcher | <b>Grade: A</b></p>
<p>The dude didn't give up his first earned run until June 19. That's impressive, especially for a guy the Mariners picked up off of the Rule 5 draft, in which a team can select another team's minor-league players if they have a chance for the majors. The left-handed specialist still has an ERA of only around 1.66.</p><p> less

<b>Lucas Luetge</b> | relief pitcher | <b>Grade: A</b></p>
<p>The dude didn't give up his first earned run until June 19. That's impressive, especially for a guy the Mariners picked up off of the Rule 5 ... more

Photo: Al Messerschmidt / Getty Images

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<b>Kevin Millwood</b> | starting pitcher | <b>Grade: B</b></p>
<p>After a rocky start, the 37-year-old veteran settled in and showed why experience matters in pitching. He's tossed several gems, including the first six innings of the Mariners' six-pitcher no-hitter on June 8, but has also struggled through injuries. He just returned after another stint on the disabled list.</p><p> less

<b>Jesus Montero</b> | catcher | <b>Grade: B-</b></p>
<p>The Mariners picked him up in a much-talked-about trade in the offseason, sending star pitcher Michael Pineda to the Yankees in return for Montero and pitcher Hector Noesi. Montero has shown flashes of greatness and has become a better catcher than most expected, but he had just one RBI in the month of June and is now batting below .250.</p><p> less

<b>Jesus Montero</b> | catcher | <b>Grade: B-</b></p>
<p>The Mariners picked him up in a much-talked-about trade in the offseason, sending star pitcher Michael Pineda to the Yankees in return for Montero ... more

Photo: Christian Petersen / Getty Images

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<b>Hector Noesi</b> | starting pitcher | <b>Grade: D+</b></p>
<p>The other player in the Pineda-Montero trade, Noesi also has shown flashes of greatness but still doesn't seem quite ready for the big leagues. He was the first A.L. pitcher to 10 losses and the Mariners just sent him down to Triple-A Tacoma after he dropped his fifth loss in a row.</p><p> less

<b>Hector Noesi</b> | starting pitcher | <b>Grade: D+</b></p>
<p>The other player in the Pineda-Montero trade, Noesi also has shown flashes of greatness but still doesn't seem quite ready for the big ... more

Photo: Christian Petersen / Getty Images

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<b>Miguel Olivo</b> | catcher | <b>Grade: C-</b></p>
<p>A groin injury kept him most of May, but since he returned, he hasn't been the same hitter who led the Mariners last season in home runs. The catcher has struggled to find his bat and is still hitting below .210.</p><p> less

<b>Miguel Olivo</b> | catcher | <b>Grade: C-</b></p>
<p>A groin injury kept him most of May, but since he returned, he hasn't been the same hitter who led the Mariners last season in home runs. The catcher ... more

Photo: Otto Greule Jr / Getty Images

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<b>Carlos Peguero</b> | outfielder | <b>Grade: Incomplete</b></p>
<p>The Mariners just called him up from Triple-A Tacoma, where he was batting .293 with 18 home runs and 41 RBIs. He struggled with the Mariners last season when he came up for 46 games, so it's unknown how he'll do now that he's back again.</p><p> less

<b>Carlos Peguero</b> | outfielder | <b>Grade: Incomplete</b></p>
<p>The Mariners just called him up from Triple-A Tacoma, where he was batting .293 with 18 home runs and 41 RBIs. He struggled with the ... more

Photo: Christian Petersen / Getty Images

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<b>Oliver Perez</b> | relief pitcher | <b>Grade: Incomplete</b></p>
<p>The 10-year veteran joined the M's this season after missing last year with an injury, and was just called up to the Mariners in mid-June. Since his return to the big leagues, he has performed well out of the bullpen, with an ERA around 1.00, though he hasn't gotten too much work yet.</p><p> less

<b>Oliver Perez</b> | relief pitcher | <b>Grade: Incomplete</b></p>
<p>The 10-year veteran joined the M's this season after missing last year with an injury, and was just called up to the Mariners in ... more

Photo: Christian Petersen / Getty Images

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<b>Stephen Pryor</b> | relief pitcher | <b>Grade: Incomplete</b></p>
<p>He's a highly touted, fireball-throwing righty who could become a big weapon for the Mariners with his 100 mph fastball. But he got injured after six outings, landing him on the disabled list. As such, he's got no grade yet.</p><p> less

<b>Stephen Pryor</b> | relief pitcher | <b>Grade: Incomplete</b></p>
<p>He's a highly touted, fireball-throwing righty who could become a big weapon for the Mariners with his 100 mph fastball. But he got ... more

Photo: Otto Greule Jr / Getty Images

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<b>Erasmo Ramirez</b> | starting pitcher | <b>Grade: C+</b></p>
<p>He pitched well out of the bullpen during the first month of the season, so the Mariners sent him down to Triple-A Tacoma to develop him as a starter. He did fairly well there, with a 3.11 ERA and an impressive number of strikeouts. The M's called him back up as a starter in mid-June but he has struggled, earning two losses before going on the disabled list with an elbow strain.</p><p> less

<b>Erasmo Ramirez</b> | starting pitcher | <b>Grade: C+</b></p>
<p>He pitched well out of the bullpen during the first month of the season, so the Mariners sent him down to Triple-A Tacoma to develop him as ... more

Photo: Norm Hall / Getty Images

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<b>Brendan Ryan</b> | shortstop | <b>Grade: C+</b></p>
<p>He's the worst hitter on the team with an average near .180. But he's arguably the best defender on the team, and may be the best shortstop in baseball. His defense surely has saved numerous opposing runs and the Mariners have buried him in the nine-hole of the lineup. His bat has heated up lately, though that hasn't helped his average too much.</p><p> less

<b>Brendan Ryan</b> | shortstop | <b>Grade: C+</b></p>
<p>He's the worst hitter on the team with an average near .180. But he's arguably the best defender on the team, and may be the best shortstop in ... more

Photo: Denis Poroy / Getty Images

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<b>Michael Saunders</b> | center fielder | <b>Grade: B+</b></p>
<p>He has finally started developing into the all-around player he was supposed to be, stepping effortlessly into the injured Franklin Gutierrez's shoes in center field and eventually finding his bat. In June, his average jumped from .241 to .283 before settling back down around .260, but if he can keep it up he'll continue to be a much-needed offensive threat for the Mariners.</p><p> less

<b>Michael Saunders</b> | center fielder | <b>Grade: B+</b></p>
<p>He has finally started developing into the all-around player he was supposed to be, stepping effortlessly into the injured Franklin ... more

Photo: J. Meric / Getty Images

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<b>Kyle Seager</b> | third baseman | <b>Grade: B+</b></p>
<p>He started out the year as one of the best guys on the team, unexpectedly hitting near .300 and coming through in numerous clutch situations. But he's been slumping since mid-June and his average is now below .250. If he can break out of it, he'll continue to be a boon for the M's.</p><p> less

<b>Kyle Seager</b> | third baseman | <b>Grade: B+</b></p>
<p>He started out the year as one of the best guys on the team, unexpectedly hitting near .300 and coming through in numerous clutch situations. But ... more

Photo: Otto Greule Jr / Getty Images

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<b>Justin Smoak</b> | first baseman | <b>Grade: D+</b></p>
<p>One of the biggest disappointments of the year, he was a hot prospect when the Mariners got him from the Texas Rangers in the Cliff Lee trade of 2010. But Smoak hasn't yet lived up to expectations, and despite a short streak where it looked like he might break out of a slump, he is barely batting above .200 at the All-Star break.</p><p> less

<b>Justin Smoak</b> | first baseman | <b>Grade: D+</b></p>
<p>One of the biggest disappointments of the year, he was a hot prospect when the Mariners got him from the Texas Rangers in the Cliff Lee trade of ... more

Photo: Stephen Dunn / Getty Images

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<b>Ichiro Suzuki</b> | right fielder | <b>Grade: C-</b></p>
<p>Coming into the season with a very young team, manager Eric Wedge decided to put his best hitter -- Ichiro -- in the three-hole of the batting lineup. That experiment didn't work, and eventually Ichiro went back to his old leadoff spot. Though he is still one of the best batters on the team with an average around .260, the 38-year-old has been terrible in clutch situations and has started to show his age.</p><p> less

<b>Ichiro Suzuki</b> | right fielder | <b>Grade: C-</b></p>
<p>Coming into the season with a very young team, manager Eric Wedge decided to put his best hitter -- Ichiro -- in the three-hole of the batting ... more

Photo: Otto Greule Jr / Getty Images

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<b>Jason Vargas</b> | starting pitcher | <b>Grade: B+</b></p>
<p>Apart from a few consecutive losses in June, he has been a steady force on the mound and is generally a solid starter. His name has been floated as one of the Mariners' best trading prospects, so he may not be around much longer. But with an ERA now above 4.00, he might not be as valuable as he was earlier in the season.</p><p> less

<b>Jason Vargas</b> | starting pitcher | <b>Grade: B+</b></p>
<p>Apart from a few consecutive losses in June, he has been a steady force on the mound and is generally a solid starter. His name has been ... more

Photo: Otto Greule Jr / Getty Images

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<b>Casper Wells</b> | left fielder | <b>Grade: B+</b></p>
<p>He struggled through the first two months of the season, barely batting above .210 by the time the Mariners sent him down to Triple-A Tacoma in late May. But after being called back up in mid-June, Wells has been explosive, coming through in clutch hitting situations and making spectacular plays in the outfield. Keep an eye on him.</p><p> less

<b>Casper Wells</b> | left fielder | <b>Grade: B+</b></p>
<p>He struggled through the first two months of the season, barely batting above .210 by the time the Mariners sent him down to Triple-A Tacoma in ... more

Photo: Otto Greule Jr / Getty Images

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<b>Tom Wilhelmsen</b> | relief pitcher | <b>Grade: A</b></p>
<p>He has been spectacular all season with his quick fastball and crafty curveball. The bartender-turned-ballplayer rose above and beyond the challenge when he took over for Brandon League as the team's closer, and has maintained an ERA around 2.50 for the All-Star break. He should probably be headed to the All-Star Game himself.</p><p> less

<b>Tom Wilhelmsen</b> | relief pitcher | <b>Grade: A</b></p>
<p>He has been spectacular all season with his quick fastball and crafty curveball. The bartender-turned-ballplayer rose above and beyond the ... more

Photo: Stephen Dunn / Getty Images

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<b>Eric Wedge</b> | manager | <b>Grade: C</b></p>
<p>He has a very difficult job. Given a very young team, it's hard to fault Wedge for the Mariners' disappointing season so far. But halfway through, his players are still struggling to get any offense going at Safeco Field, and at some point you have to start looking at the coaching. Wedge's effort has been commendable, but his team's subpar record earns him only an average grade.</p><p> less

<b>Eric Wedge</b> | manager | <b>Grade: C</b></p>
<p>He has a very difficult job. Given a very young team, it's hard to fault Wedge for the Mariners' disappointing season so far. But halfway through, his ... more